To complement its mission to improve health and enhance lives, Van Andel Institute (VAI) seeks to reduce its impact on the environment in several ways to preserve and improve it for future generations.

LEED Certification

Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark to recognize buildings and building owners whose goal is to reduce the impact on the environment and minimize energy consumption.

Van Andel Institute’s phase II building expansion is LEED certified at the Platinum level, which means that both the design and construction of the building incorporates green, or sustainable, features.

Facility-wide, employee-initiated recycling programs and sustainable purchasing policies improve the work environment and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the VAI.

The facility is served by four public bus lines with an aggregate of over 200 rides per day, thereby permitting staff and visitors to avoid parking costs and save motor fuel energy.

VAI Green Team

Formed in 2008, the VAI Green Team is a cross-departmental group of employees whose mission is to promote and support green initiatives such as sustainable practices, green products and services, and efforts to recycle, reduce, and reuse within the Institute. The team does this through education, communication, volunteerism, and coordination of green activities and events. Commuting and recycling are two major areas of focus. The team has significantly expanded VAI’s recycling program, facilitating easy access to recycle plastics 1-7, glass, Styrofoam, aluminum, and alkaline batteries.

ABOUT VAI

Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and changing the lives of current and future generations, through biomedical research and science education.